Brian Harper Celebrated as Black Trailblazer

Libby Sullivan| February 22, 2024

On Friday, February 16, Brian Harper, M.D., M.P.H., vice president for equity and inclusion, chief medical officer, and associate professor at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, was one of three Black trailblazers celebrated on FOX 5 television’s programming for Black History Month. The panelists are noteworthy for the way “they are living examples of Black excellence, surviving tests and challenges to help make the country better for everyone.” According to the program’s host, Harper was invited for many reasons, including his participation in the inaugural Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit held on Long Island last fall and his efforts to encourage Black youth and young men to pursue careers in medicine.

“We have to start very early on—in grade school, elementary school—to get people focused and let them understand that they can become physicians,” Harper shared. He further noted that in terms of Black male physicians, the number has not increased significantly—percentagewise—since the 1940s, and that is why he “is in favor of things like pipeline programs and getting young people interested in science in general.”

Watch the full episode.

More News

Group of students with faculty and industry experts

Students Learn About Spectrum Technology From Industry Experts

Industry leaders, faculty, students, and staff from universities across the country gathered on the Long Island campus for Spectrum Sizzle, an undergraduate spectrum workshop funded by the National Science Foundation.

Portrait of Henry Ruiz

Understanding the Cellular Underpinnings of Obesity

In his research, Assistant Professor Henry Ruiz, Ph.D., is looking to understand what makes fat cells grow, which could lead to new and improved obesity treatments.

Students with their professor in a lab

Blueprint for Healing

A multidisciplinary team of students is investigating solutions for wound healing that would speed healing and positively impact the lives of countless people.

Researchers working in a lab

BRIIC by BRIIC

A look at the new Biomedical, Research, Innovation, and Imaging Center (BRIIC).

Portraits of Daniel Nasef and Kennette James Basco

Using AI to Detect ECG Abnormalities

Student-led research uses artificial intelligence (AI) models to interpret abnormalities in electrocardiogram (ECG) test results.

Student being hooded by professor

Hooding NYITCOM’s Class of 2025

At ceremonies in Old Westbury, N.Y., and Jonesboro, Ark., the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) ushered in more than 400 new physicians.